Unfinished Portrait of Nefertiti
ca. 1352-1336 B.C.E
Maker Unknown
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
Artistic style drastically changed during the Amarna Period. Because artists had to quickly adapt to the new style, they left behind an unprecedented number of trial pieces and sculptor’s models. Such unfinished works reveal the artistic process of ancient sculptors.
The initial sketch in black ink outlines Nefertiti’s tall crown, and indicates her facial features and long neck with neck folds. The artist began sculpting the relief by carving away stone around Nefertiti’s profile and marking out the eyes, lips, and ear.
The initial sketch in black ink outlines Nefertiti’s tall crown, and indicates her facial features and long neck with neck folds. The artist began sculpting the relief by carving away stone around Nefertiti’s profile and marking out the eyes, lips, and ear.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Sculpture
- Formatted Medium
- Limestone, pigment
- Locations
- Place excavated: Tell el-Amarna, Egypt
- Dynasty
- late Dynasty 18
- Dimensions
- 5 7/16 × 5 1/4 in. (13.8 × 13.3 cm)
- Accession Number
- 33.686
- Credit Line
- Gift of the Egypt Exploration Society
- Rights Statement
- Creative Commons-BY
Have a concern, a correction, or something to add?
